The smallest of the four main islands that make up Japan, Shikoku is less visited compared to other parts of the country despite its mild climate, natural scenery, historical places and traditional festivals.

The smallest of the four main islands that make up Japan, Shikoku is less visited compared to other parts of the country despite its mild climate, natural scenery, historical places and traditional festivals.

Once shunned by global hotel groups, Taiwan has seen international hotels returning in recent years. Five are expected to open in the second half of this year in the Taipei metropolitan area. These include Four Points by Sheraton, and Renaissance under Marriott International, as well as the Hilton, which returns after an absence of 15 years with two properties. IHG's first hotel under the luxury Kimpton brand will also open.

Once shunned by global hotel groups, Taiwan has seen international hotels returning in recent years. Five are expected to open in the second half of this year in the Taipei metropolitan area. These include Four Points by Sheraton, and Renaissance under Marriott International, as well as the Hilton, which returns after an absence of 15 years with two properties. IHG's first hotel under the luxury Kimpton brand will also open.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei average soared to its highest level in almost 27 years on October 1, the stock exchange buoyed by an array of positive economic news for a nation that has for too long been in the shadow of the “lost years” after its asset-inflated bubble burst in the early 1990s.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei average soared to its highest level in almost 27 years on October 1, the stock exchange buoyed by an array of positive economic news for a nation that has for too long been in the shadow of the “lost years” after its asset-inflated bubble burst in the early 1990s.

Bandung is Indonesia's capital of cool. After all, it is set 750 metres above sea level; surrounded by verdant, dormant volcanoes; and dotted about with art-deco buildings that are a legacy of Dutch colonial times. This fascinating destination is also given a certain amount of fizz by the thousands of youngsters who come to study here.

Bandung is Indonesia's capital of cool. After all, it is set 750 metres above sea level; surrounded by verdant, dormant volcanoes; and dotted about with art-deco buildings that are a legacy of Dutch colonial times. This fascinating destination is also given a certain amount of fizz by the thousands of youngsters who come to study here.

Japan in February recorded an eighth consecutive quarter of economic growth – its best performance since the heady days of 1989 and the era of the nation’s economic bubble – although the pace of expansion has been slowing.

Japan in February recorded an eighth consecutive quarter of economic growth – its best performance since the heady days of 1989 and the era of the nation’s economic bubble – although the pace of expansion has been slowing.

Hong Kong and Canada have maintained strong ties, forged from a history of trade, cultural ties, and the movement of people between the two jurisdictions. Canada has a liberal trade regime, and has no foreign exchange restrictions, with import licences required for a few goods, along with a double taxation agreement between itself and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and Canada have maintained strong ties, forged from a history of trade, cultural ties, and the movement of people between the two jurisdictions. Canada has a liberal trade regime, and has no foreign exchange restrictions, with import licences required for a few goods, along with a double taxation agreement between itself and Hong Kong.

New Zealand occupies a special place in Hong Kong's global economic landscape as the first foreign country to secure a free-trade agreement with the city, with ties strengthened by the visit of Prime Minister Bill English to the city in May.

New Zealand occupies a special place in Hong Kong's global economic landscape as the first foreign country to secure a free-trade agreement with the city, with ties strengthened by the visit of Prime Minister Bill English to the city in May.

Singapore continues to foster successful technology start-ups through several government funding initiatives. Professional venture capitalists such as Golden Gate Ventures have been involved from the start, providing early-stage funding through a range of agencies such as SPRING Singapore, which supports local small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Singapore continues to foster successful technology start-ups through several government funding initiatives. Professional venture capitalists such as Golden Gate Ventures have been involved from the start, providing early-stage funding through a range of agencies such as SPRING Singapore, which supports local small- and medium-sized enterprises.